The figure was 9pc in 2011, representing is an increase of a third in just a year, according to research by ACI, a payment systems company. Of those surveyed, 16pc admitted to throwing bank statements or ATM receipts into the bin, compared with 15pc last year.

Eight per cent said they didn't use security software when shopping or banking online – and often did so on a public computer – but this is a fall from 10pc last year.

The survey also found that nearly two thirds of people who have been the victim of fraud involving credit cards, debit cards or prepaid cards during the past five years lost more than £100. Of them, 17pc lost between £101 and £200, 22pc £201 to £500, 13pc £501 to £1,000 and 11pc over £1,000.

The research comes at a time when banks are clamping down on refunding fraud losses if it can be proved that not enough care was taken by a consumer to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud. Actions such as using a "weak" Pin or failing to shield their Pin at a cashpoint could mean that consumers will lose out if they attempt to get a refund when they lose money after being targeted by fraudsters.

Mike Braatz of ACI urged consumers to protect themselves against fraud: “It’s a worrying fact that so many people are still carrying their Pin with their cards," he said. “Consumers can and should be part of the fraud prevention process. The findings help highlight the need for banks and trade bodies to do more to educate consumers about protecting their cards.

"This includes encouraging measures such as keeping Pins secret, avoiding obvious Pins such as memorable dates, and never letting anyone else use cards and Pins. People should carefully dispose of bank statements and maintain up-to-date antivirus software when banking and shopping online.”

According to the global study of more than 5,200 consumers across 17 countries, more Britons admit to breaking the cardinal rule of fraud protection than in The Netherlands, France, Canada, Australia, US, Sweden, Germany and Singapore.

The UK ranks equally with South Africa, while only consumers in the United Arab Emirates, Italy, China and India were identified as being more careless with their bank details.